Washington and Tehran Set for Indirect Talks in Oman on April 12

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has announced that indirect discussions between Tehran and Washington are scheduled for April 12 in Oman. Leading the Iranian delegation will be Araghchi himself, while Jason Witkoff, U.S. President Donald Trump’s special envoy, will represent the United States. These talks, facilitated by Oman, aim to enhance regional stability and potentially ease the longstanding tensions between the two nations, which have faced strained relations since diplomatic ties were severed in 1980.

The meeting will adhere to a format that avoids direct contact between the parties, a standard practice in American-Iranian communications. Oman’s neutrality and experience in mediation have established it as a trusted facilitator in such discussions. According to Iranian sources, a primary focus of the negotiations will be to identify common ground amid mutual grievances: Tehran seeks the lifting of U.S. sanctions, while Washington insists on restrictions concerning Iran’s nuclear program and its activities in the Middle East.

Araghchi emphasized the nature of the talks, stating, “Talks with the U.S. will be indirect, and we will not accept any other negotiation format. We chose indirect negotiations to avoid threats and pressure from Washington.” He further asserted, “What matters is the effectiveness of talks and the will to reach a deal. A real agreement is possible if the other side is serious. Our main goal is lifting sanctions and easing our people’s hardship.”

While there has been no official confirmation from the U.S. regarding Witkoff’s participation, American diplomatic sources acknowledge that preparations for the negotiations are underway.

In early 2025, reports suggested that the Trump administration was exploring options for partial sanctions relief in exchange for concrete steps from Iran, including a possible resumption of discussions regarding the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), from which the U.S. withdrew in 2018. In March, Iranian authorities expressed their readiness for dialogue but emphasized that they would not capitulate under pressure. Oman has previously proven effective in facilitating negotiations; it was the location where initial contacts leading to the JCPOA began in 2015.

The upcoming meeting in Muscat represents a potential opportunity for both sides to establish a foundation for compromise. However, mutual distrust and the complex regional dynamics leave little room for optimism. The results of the talks will ultimately reveal whether Washington and Tehran can move beyond their usual confrontational stance.